Trombidium grandissimum "Giant Red Velvet Mite"

Facts

Trombidium grandissimum may be tiny, but its power
should not be underestimated. Since the diet of the Giant
Red Velvet Mite consists of many pests, the mite could be used as a
potential biological control tool. They are also vital to the
rate of soil decomposition and greatly help maintain balance in
soil ecosystems. The mites spend a majority of their time
underground and only emerge after heavy rains to feed.

In India, the oil from T. grandissimum is coveted.
Natives believe the deep red oil holds many medical benefits, and people gather the mites during the short time they emerge from the
soil to sell in the local bazaars. The oil is strongly believed to
be an aphrodisiac. Current research regarding the oil from the
Giant Red Velvet Mite looks promising.

To see the Giant Red Velvet Mite and to understand
the importance of the mite in Indian culture, check out these links. The
first video was actually filmed by locals and the native language is
used, but it is a great video to see the mites abundance and to gain a
better understanding of their different uses.